Page 12 of The Defiant Wife

I rub the back of my neck. Already exhausted.

Diya laughs. Actually laughs. The sound catches me off guard. Bright. Unrestrained. Real. The first genuine reaction I've seen from her.

Then she catches me looking. Immediately straightens. Immediately composes herself.

Interesting.

Very interesting.

A little girl tugs on my sleeve again. "Prince Uncle?"

I freeze.

Prince Uncle?

The title shouldn't bother me. And yet somehow it does.

The child smiles innocently. "Will you stay for lunch?"

I hesitate. Then glance toward Diya. Toward the children. Toward the building that feels far too loud and far too alive.

Thirty-one days.

That's all.

Thirty-one days and then I can return to my normal life.

Simple.

Manageable.

Logical.

Easy.

Unfortunately, as another child starts asking whether princes have secret treasure vaults, I realize one very important thing.

This month is going to be significantly harder than I anticipated.

4. PUBLIC HUMILIATION

VEERAJ

There are very few things in life I genuinely dislike.

I dislike inefficiency.I dislike unnecessary meetings.I dislike people who speak for twenty minutes when two would suffice.

And now, after approximately four hours inside this NGO, I can confidently add another item to the list.

Diya Goyal.

Not because she's rude.Not because she's difficult.Not even because she clearly enjoys irritating me.

No.

The problem is that she does all of it while looking entirely pleased with herself.Which somehow makes it worse.

"Prince Uncle!"I look down.